Help needed to set up an analog system

With 3K you can get some excellent vinyl sound, especially if you are considering used/demo. Some tables to keep in mind in that range:(buy the table/arm used if you are serious, then get a new cartridge from a local dealer who will help you set up the table :))

VPI HW19
Basis(any)
Linn LP12(my table) w/Lingo or Valhalla power supply
Maplenoll(any)
Goldmund(any) pricey but affordable used

ARMS:
(if buying separately)
Rega RB900(RB300 or RB600 if you are trying to save $$)
SME(most models are awesome)
Linn Ekos or Ittok(one up from my Akito)
Graham(you should be so lucky to find one of these used)

Cartridges - depends on the table/arm and your system/tastes
but here are some strong cartridges and some strong contenders:

Bang for the buck: Denon,Grado,Benz, Linn(I use a Linn K-9 with good results)

Budget to the winds(or depserate seller): Koetsu)any), Lyra Clavis, Linn Arkiv.
Van Den Hull Grasshopper

These are not the only good possibilities by a mile, just some you do not want to miss. I have seen some killer deals on this site, well within your budget.

As for definitions and comprehension, aside from a large book like Robert Harley's, you might want to find a good analogue shop and pick their brains. As I said, you can find a good deal on the table/arm and then give them the very profitable cartridge busines in return for their expertise and set-up help. It is not rocket-science, you just want your arm to track correctly, and isolate your turntable both from your speaker output and any heavy footsteps or accidental bumps into the table. The factors that allow you to pull this off, aside from the basic table itself, are a dedicated turntable stand like the Arrici.
Once the table is set up, it tends to stay that way unless it is moved or seriously jostled. But it is worth it!

Have fun! Read a lot, listen a lot, and shop till the tonearm drops!

Just looked at a few options out there you might want to consider...
New: Basis 1400/Rega RB300 $ 1,600 + cost of good cartridge
" JA. Michel/Rega RB300 $1,600 = cartridge

Used: VPI HW19 w/ upgraded platter/clamp, Rega RB300 arm and Benz Glider cartridge for $ 1,000. I would buy this setup if I didn't already have my Linn. This was the best deal IMHO, as you get first-rate sound for half your budget.

Used: Linn LP12 table w/Valhalla power supply upgrade, Rega RB300 arm for $ 430! Leaves a lot of room for a cartridge and my hot tip of the day,

Used: Cotter turntable base w/springs. FOr $ 550, you get incredible isolation for any table, the Linn especially will benefit. I have never seen one up for sale before.

OK, don't say no one told you! My standard consulting fee consists solely of a "thanks, here's what I wound up getting and how it sounds.' :)

Prs123: Thanks very much for the advice. I'll sure 'pay' you the consulting fee after my set up is done :0) BTW, Do you mean Robert Hartley's "Guide to Hi End" (correction pls!) the one thick as a telephone directory has the ABC to analog?

Prs123 has said it all. He is very knowledgeable and his advice is sound. I've given him points and I think so should you. Robert Hartley is VERY useful and if you can hunt up old copies of TAS (The Absolute Sound) articles by Enid Lumley about tonearm and turntable setup are usefull as well. But as I recollect, Hartley covers it all just as well, so there is really no need to look much further. But picking the brain of an anolog dealer in your vicinity is an even better bet, I suppose. As your work is in progress and uncertainties should come up, don't hesitate to ask again. People here, as you have seen, are generally helpful.
Good luck and welcome to the fold of vinyl listening.

Spskan, here is a nice primer on table set up by Laura Dearborn: www.vandenhul.nl/artpap/turntabl.htm0--Regards, Dan